First Look: Ergon's All-New SMS Saddle Is Built for Modern Mountain Bikes
Ergon launches the all-new SMS saddle, ergonomically redesigned for modern MTB geometries to improve comfort and eliminate pressure points. Get the full details.
The evolution of the modern mountain bike has been relentless. Longer reaches, slacker head tubes, and dramatically steeper seat tube angles have fundamentally changed how we position ourselves on the bike. While these geometric shifts have unlocked new levels of capability on the trail, they've also created a new ergonomic challenge. Ergon, a brand synonymous with rider comfort, has met this challenge head-on with its all-new SMS saddle lineup.
This isn't just a minor update; it's a complete rethink of saddle design, driven by the specific needs of today's more upright and centered riding posture.
The Problem: A New Position on the Bike
As bikes have gotten longer and seat tubes steeper, riders are no longer stretched out in an aggressive, forward-leaning position. Instead, we sit more upright, placing a different kind of pressure on our sit bones and soft tissue. An older saddle design, created for a different posture, can lead to discomfort, pressure points, and numbness on the very bikes designed to be more capable.
Ergon’s development team identified this disconnect as their primary focus. According to the brand, "To take pressure off riders, we took a close look at the current trend in mountain bike geometries. What we saw was a new compact riding position that required a modern relief concept to satisfy the needs of a more upright riding posture.”
The Solution: The Ergon SMS Saddle
At first glance, the SMS series may resemble Ergon’s popular SM saddles, but the shape has been significantly revised. The new design introduces a shorter, wider nose, a substantially larger pressure relief channel, and refined ergonomic contours to perfectly support the modern rider.
Ergon describes the result of these changes: “The SMS’ larger relief channel and evolved ergonomic contours improves pressure distribution across the saddle. The SMS saddle’s Y-shape and gently curved ergonomic surface improves rider mobility, pedaling dynamics and overall comfort.”
The most noticeable feature is the compact, shortened nose. This provides more freedom of movement for the rider, allowing for easier weight shifts on technical terrain and offering crucial support when scooting forward on steep, punchy climbs. The result is a saddle that Ergon confidently calls the perfect all-arounder for everything from aggressive trail riding to multi-day bikepacking adventures.
Ergon SMS: The Technical Details
The new lineup is designed to serve a wide range of disciplines and riders, with two distinct models available in both men's and women's specific versions.
- Application: All-Mountain/Trail, Enduro, Cross-Country/Marathon, Bikepacking, E-MTB
- Sizing: The saddle is available in two widths to match different rider anatomies.
- S/M: 140 mm width (for sit bone spacing of 9-12cm)
- M/L: 149 mm width (for sit bone spacing of 12-16+cm)
- Shell & Padding: A nylon composite shell is paired with Ergon's orthopedic comfort foam and a durable microfiber surface.
The Models: Sport vs. Comp
Ergon offers two tiers to balance performance, weight, and budget:
SMS Sport
- Rails: TiNox XP (Titanium alloy)
- Weight: 260g (S/M) / 280g (M/L)
- Rider Weight Limit: 265 lbs (120 kg)
- Price: $94.95 USD / €79.95
SMS Comp
- Rails: TiNox SL (Lighter Titanium alloy)
- Weight: 245g (S/M) / 265g (M/L)
- Rider Weight Limit: 220 lbs (100 kg)
- Price: $114.95 USD / €99.95
Availability and Final Takeaway
The men's versions of the SMS Sport and SMS Comp saddles are available for purchase now through Ergon's website and its retail partners. According to Ergon, the women's specific models are scheduled for release in 2026. For any rider on a modern mountain bike experiencing saddle discomfort, the Ergon SMS presents a compelling, purpose-built solution.
